ALPINE SKI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2013. SCHLADMING, Austria - A beautiful Opening Ceremony marked the official beginning of the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2013. In the next two weeks Schladming will serve as the home for the best skiers in the world as they compete for the title of World Champion. During the one-hour show, which literally started with a bang – a firework show the host nation’s beauty and traditions were highlighted through a combination of video projections, a choreographed lightshow with dancers, skiers, artists, acrobats and horses. A combination of national and international stars, including former Austrian Ski Champion Herman Maier, skier turned entertainer Hansi Hinterseer and Austrian native Arnold Schwarzenegger guaranteed an unforgettable evening for the thousands of fans who came to the Finish Arena for the event.

Opening Ceremony of the Schladming World Championships, a beautiful shot by Sportsphotographer Mitch Gunn

Athletes and their team, fans and officials all witnessed the symbolic passing over of the FIS flag from the representatives of the 2011 Garmisch-Partenkirchen World Championships to the Schladming organizers. The evening wrapped up with FIS President Gian Franco Kasper addressing the cheering crowd and officially proclaiming the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2013 open.

"Since their election 5 years ago, the Schladming team has invested a lot of effort and also a lot of money to prepare for these World Ski Championships," the FIS President said.

"We can still recall the situation in 1982 when the last Championships took place here and due to the rain and lots of water that kept the fire brigade busy we postponed the men's downhill to the very last day of the championships. That was risky but we were lucky and Harti Weirather went to win the gold medal. We are very positive and expect a truly spectacular festival of skiing again this time."

"The criteria for successful World Championships of course include great interest in the hosting venue, region and nation which we undoubtedly have here in Schladming, in the region of Styria and Austria in general. Beyond that, we want to see amazing images and thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the host broadcaster ORF everything is ready for worldwide echo and interest in the event. Finally we hope for a balanced distribution of medals across the broadest possible range of participating nations," Kasper concluded.

FISalpine.com
Tuesday 5 February 2013

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